Mangaluru Positioned as India’s Next Startup Hub by Pai, Shetty

Mangaluru, Karnataka is being touted as the next major innovation and startup destination in India, according to prominent figures in the business and entertainment worlds.

Yesterday, former Infosys CFO and venture capitalist Mohandas Pai and actor-entrepreneur Suniel Shetty publicly endorsed the city, citing its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and unique advantages for returning entrepreneurs. Pai stated on X, “Mangaluru is the next hot spot for innovation in India, great talent, very good quality of life, affordable housing, great schools and HE wonderful friendly people, great food Now unique work spaces to start off—25,000 techies already. Great beaches, resorts etc. GO FOR IT.” Shetty echoed these sentiments, describing Mangaluru as “not just the next hot spot, it’s going to be the destination for techies, young entrepreneurs and the good life not just in India, but in all of Asia.”

Their comments followed a guide shared by entrepreneur Amrit Shenava outlining resources for Mangaloreans looking to launch startups in their hometown. Shenava’s post highlighted organizations like TiE Mangaluru, the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), and the “Silicon Beach” initiative, alongside modern workspaces such as Vertex and WrkWrk. This growing support network aims to capitalize on the increasing number of tech professionals – currently around 25,000 – already based in the region. The rise of Mangaluru as a tech hub could help to decentralize India’s startup landscape, currently dominated by cities like Bengaluru.

Shenava also recommended following local founders and investors including Rohith Bhat, P Shenoy, Akhilesh B, and Shyla Jarao, noting opportunities in sectors like FinTech, electric vehicles, and hospitality. Officials stated they are committed to fostering the city’s burgeoning startup scene and attracting further investment.